Running Stop Signs Can Cause Major Auto Accidents

By Michael Verna on June 06, 2017

Running a stop sign puts other motorists at great risk of injury. This goes for four-way stops as well as when merging into traffic from a stop sign. So many auto accidents in the San Francisco Bay Area are a direct result of people running stop signs. In such situations, the lawyers of Bowles & Verna can be an immense help.

In addition to striking other cars, motorcycles, or trucks, running a stop sign also increases the risks of accidents with pedestrians and with bicyclists. This can prove extremely dangerous around schools, parks, and other places where many children may be. Let's take a moment to explore the dangers of running stop signs.

Statistics on Intersection Auto Accidents

The numbers don't lie about the dangers. According to numbers from the Federal Highway Administration, an estimated 2.5 million accidents occur in intersections in an average year. This accounts for 40 percent to 50 percent of all collisions annually. It's also been estimated that accidents in intersections account for 20 percent of all fatal auto accidents every year.

Why Do People Run Stop Signs?

There are plenty of reasons why people ignore stop signs and run red lights. While most of these are not valid or excusable reasons, they are the common reasons cited by drivers as well as law enforcement speaking to motorists following collisions.

In a rush to be somewhere

Impatience

Texting while driving

Talking on the phone while driving

Driver distraction

Checking makeup or hair while driving

Drunk driving

Reckless driving

Stop sign was obscured from view

Stop sign was poorly positioned

Stop sign was not missing/present

Poor weather

Brake malfunctions

Drive Cautiously and Sensibly

When you are driving, it's important to exercise common sense when driving. Just a little extra caution and attentiveness can prevent serious collisions from occurring.

Whenever you pull up to a stop sign, be sure to look both ways before proceeding. This will allow you to note other motorists who are stopped, motorists who may be running the stop sign, and any pedestrians or bicyclists who are nearby. Whenever you are near a school or near a park, be sure sure pay extra attention to any children who may be present.

If you need to be somewhere at a given time, be sure to give yourself extra time to account for traffic, bad weather, and other mishaps on the road. Better to leave a little early or to arrive a little early than to run a stop sign and put others at risk,

How Our Auto Accident Lawyers Can Help

If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in a collision, a skilled attorney can help you seek damages from the negligent driver who cause the accident. This includes compensation for medical expenses and property damage as well as damages that punish the responsible party for their actions. Auto accidents lawyers can give you the peace of mind you need as you recovery from injuries and return to normal life.

Speak with Our Auto Accident Lawyers

For more information about your legal rights and options following a serious collision, be sure to contact our experienced personal injury attorneys today. The legal team at Bowles & Verna is here for you and your loved ones in your time of legal need.